I have written about the Nintendo DS here before, and some of you may wonder what place a game device has in a mobile tech blog. Nintendo is starting to open the kimono on future DS functionality that puts it in direct collision with the content and mobile broadband initatives of mobile handset makers and operators.

I'm not a DS cheerleader, but I am intrigued by the rapid changes that are happening in the portable game device space, just as I am in the media and wireless networking evolutions that are happening in the handset and PDA space. It's good old fashioned convergence rearing its head again.

While everyone is wondering when the iPod is going wireless, the DS is seeing its VoIP abilities unlocked, and like the PSP is getting Web browsing capabilities. More interestingly vis-a-vis the PSP, the DS is now slated to get a media boost via the introduction of a digital TV card later this year.

New announcements from Opera point us to the following on anticipated Web browsing capabilities in the DS:

"The incredibly popular Nintendo DS is already Wi-Fi enabled to support real time gaming, so adding Web browsing capabilities was a natural evolution for this device," says Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President, Opera Software. "Gaming devices are growing more advanced and a great Web experience is becoming a product differentiator for gaming manufacturers. Opera is excited to work with Nintendo to deliver a unique dual screen, full Internet experience on Nintendo DS."

With an on-screen keypad and stylus, users can easily navigate the Web from their Nintendo DS with PDA-like functionality. Based on the same core as the Opera desktop browser, Opera delivers superior speed and rendering of Web pages on the Nintendo DS.

"Within just five seconds of turning on the system, the Nintendo DS is already fully operational. This makes it the ideal device to enable people to swiftly obtain the latest information from the internet, wherever they are," says Masaru Shimomura, Deputy General Manager of Nintendo's R & D Department. "Opera exceeded our expectations with its user friendly interface, quick access to all your favorite sites, ease of use and, most importantly, in making the best use of the Nintendo DS system's unique double screens and touch screen features. Opera is an important partner for Nintendo in our efforts to further expand the users of the Nintendo DS."

The company said less about the TV tuner card, which it did say would be available by the end of the year.